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Apple Accuses Microsoft of Violating Federal Restraining Order Over Stolen Software

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Apple Computer Inc. is set to reveal in federal district court that Microsoft Corp. has continued to distribute allegedly stolen software, violating a federal restraining order. The software in question is Video for Windows, which contains 1,000 lines of Apple's QuickTime code. Apple had filed a lawsuit against Microsoft and Intel, alleging that they had misappropriated its QuickTime video technology. Judge Robert Aguilar had issued a temporary restraining order, prohibiting the distribution of the software. Apple's chief counsel, Ed Stead, will present evidence of Microsoft's online postings to Judge Aguilar and urge a permanent injunction.

Key Takeaways:

  • Apple Computer Inc. accuses Microsoft Corp. of violating a federal restraining order by distributing allegedly stolen software, Video for Windows, containing 1,000 lines of Apple's QuickTime code.
  • The software was distributed via America Online forum, despite a temporary restraining order issued by Judge Robert Aguilar on March 10.
  • Apple had discovered the online postings on March 24 and will present evidence to Judge Aguilar on March 29.
  • Microsoft chairman Bill Gates is alleged to have known that his company had used Apple's code in its own Video for Windows product as early as December 1994.
  • Apple accuses Microsoft of attempting to divert attention from the issue by filing a countersuit, which accuses an Apple employee of disparagement.
  • A Microsoft manager was caught posing as an IBM customer on an online forum in 1994, and Bill Gates had initiated an investigation at the time.
  • A federal court clerk working for Judge Aguilar has accepted a job at the law firm representing Microsoft Corp.

Statistics:

  • 1,000 lines of Apple's QuickTime code were allegedly stolen and distributed by Microsoft via America Online forum.
  • March 10, 1995: Judge Robert Aguilar issues a temporary restraining order prohibiting the distribution of Video for Windows containing Apple's QuickTime code.
  • March 24, 1995: Apple discovers the online postings and decides to present evidence to Judge Aguilar on March 29.
  • 1994: A Microsoft manager posed as an IBM customer on an online forum, and Bill Gates initiated an investigation.

Sources:

  • "Apple Charges Microsoft with Software Theft" by Interactive Week, March 29, 1995
  • BUSINESS WIRE, "Apple Computer Inc. Names Central New York Distributor of the Month and Award for Excellence in Sales and Marketing at Home and Abroad," March 29, 1995
  • Interactive Week's World Wide Web site, http://www.interactive-week.com
  • CompuServe: GO IAWEEK
  • Interview with Wendy Goldman Rohm, editor-at-large for Interactive Week.

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